Multi-layered, fancily decorated cakes tend to be reserved for special occasions. Yet, we’ve found that there doesn’t need to be a celebratory reason to enjoy something as simple as a slice of fluffy confection. We can wholeheartedly recommend taking a fork to the superb slices offered by the shops on this list – any day of the week. After all, life’s too short not to. From seasonal specialties to reinvented classics, we present the most fabulous cake spots in Woodland Hills.

The Cake House, located at 21606 Ventura Boulevard, is a family-owned business conveniently situated between Calabasas and Bel Air, and remains a Kosher-Certified Custom Cake House and Bakery that strives to compliment your special occasion with every unforgettable bite. Working in what is known as “the happy tummy industry” due to the way its operators love how the simplicity of a bite-sized pastry – or extravagant custom cake, for that matter – can bring the world a smile and create a lifetime of memories on a special day, The Cake House offers birthday cakes, wedding cakes, graduation/anniversary/bridal shower/baby shower confections and more. Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm.

La Crème Bakery, located at 19948 ½ Ventura Boulevard, was established in 1980 by husband and wife team Louis and Berta Ujueta, going on to become renowned in the baking industry for their products, recipes, and leadership, with Berta being an accomplished businesswoman and Louis being the bakery artist and cake decorator. Today, La Crème custom-crafts cakes and desserts from scratch with individuality and originality, resulting in uniquely delicious concoctions made from the best ingredients available. Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; closed Sundays.

Chasing Pastries is one of the more unique businesses on this list because there is no storefront; instead, the operation is by appointment only, specializing in handcrafted pastries, desserts, custom cakes, and breads. The brainchild of Robert Rice and Sophy Hon – a couple with the same passion for food – Chasing Pastries focuses on quality and customer satisfaction, constantly sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to provide customers with the best-tasting baked goods. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

Shirin Bakery, located at 19505 Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, was established in 2015 as the brainchild of Nick Melikian, who believes wholeheartedly in no preservatives, no margarine oils, no stabilizers, and no salts when crafting confections. In taking freshness to a whole new level, Shirin Bakery is not your average commercial-esque “tasting bakery;” to this end, the staff invests their time in creating authentic tasting pastries and cakes and boasts the skills to produce on a large scale while keeping the quality as consistent as the first time you ever visited. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Calabasas Cupcake Bouquets was established in 2019 as the brainchild of Cheri De Rose, who studied the art of flower cupcake making in England – a process that yields a British Victoria Sponge made with a plethora of butter and eggs – and who now crafts unique flavors like Madagascar Vanilla, Valharona Chocolate, Strawberry Champagne, and Fresh Lemon Zest. Today, Calabasas Cupcake Bouquets operates as a cupcake, cake, and catering company that specializes in dessert buffets for weddings, showers, birthday or any special event, with all cupcakes made from local ingredients and rendered all-natural. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm; closed Sundays.

Doan’s Bakery, located at 22526 Ventura Boulevard, was established in 1983 and remains family- owned and operated to this day, continuing to bake memorable desserts for restaurants, coffee houses, caterers, and private events. More than 25 years ago, Karen Doan, her son Eric, and his wife Carrie opened Doan’s Bakery to the public, creating exciting choices that made a special occasion sweet to remember. The shop’s specialty is making personal customized creations for that ultimate family or special event, such as a delicious and beautiful wedding cake. Still, you’re always welcome to stop by and enjoy a single portion of fresh mini-cakes, cupcakes, cookies, bars, brownies, muffins, scones and cinnamon rolls. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm; closed Sundays.

Making a cake at home for a loved one is a respectable choice, but small business bakeries throughout Southern California – notably in Woodland Hills – is also at the ready, eager to whip up something unique as they work to stay afloat during these uncertain economic times. Better still, you don’t have to deal with doing dishes at home, nor do you have to worry about cleanup – insert candles and call it a day.